When Apple unveiled its latest iMacs in June, the company also quietly eliminated all traces of its wired USB keyboards, leaving the Mac community with only wireless versions. Fortunately, for those who still prefer the advantages of a wired USB connection for their keyboard, Matias has stepped up to the plate to fill the gap with its new Wired Aluminum Keyboard. Designed to mirror the Apple aesthetic, you’ll have a hard time telling the difference on the surface from Apple’s original wired keyboard, although Matias has made a couple of nice enhancements in its new version.
Like Apple’s wired keyboard, Matias’ keyboard incorporates a USB 2.0 hub with two ports, suitable for a mouse and a flash drive, and the usual row of Apple-specific function keys for things like screen brightness, volume, iTunes playback controls, and more. However, Matias’ Wired Aluminum Keyboard also adds a new precision volume dial that provides much finer control over volume that can be especially useful with external speakers — you get 64 volume levels, compared to the 16 levels available with the standard volume keys. The new keyboard is available for pre-order directly from Matias and other authorized resellers, and will be available in a wide range of international layouts.